STILWELL INDIANS

Coach: BRYAN ROSS

5-5

OFFENSE

For only the second time in the last decade, the Stilwell Indians did not have a losing season and as Bryan Ross moves up to become head coach this year, the fourth in the last five years, he hopes to build on that momentum going into the 2023 season. “We’ve got near-record participation in football this year and expect to make a playoff push this year for the first time since 2007.” Stilwell returns some experienced athletes at the skill positions including Chalino Martinez (5-8, 155, Jr.) at running back where he saw significant playing time last year. The fullback in Ross’ run-first offense will be Colby Philpott (5-10, 205, Sr.).

“After losing his sophomore season to a knee injury, Colby came back and played wingback and running back last year. He’s got the size and strength to break arm tackles.” The Indians will have a strong receiving corps with the return of Tray Chuculate (5-7, 145, Sr.), a VYPE Top 100 nominee who averaged 14.2 yards per catch in 2022. “Tray was our second leading receiver last year and this year we will also use his athleticism to throw the ball some out of a Wildcat formation,” said Ross. Orren Shelley (5-9, 195, Sr.) at tight end and Cole Grimmett (5-8, 165, Sr.) will complete the receiving corps while Juan Martinez (5-10, 150, Jr.), who saw limited action last year, will step in at quarterback. Due to graduation, the Indians will have to replace most of the O-line this year.

DEFENSE

There are eight returning starters on defense for the Indians with most of them being one-way players. Chuculate is the only two-way player mentioned by Ross and he’ll return at strong safety. Ross points out that Chuculate was also named the Special Teams Player of the Year by the team for his six blocked PATs last year. He’ll be joined in the secondary by Dustin Noisewater (5-7, 145, Jr.) at free safety and Talonhawk Holmes (5-6, 135, Jr.) at a corner. Malachi McNac (5-10, 175, Sr.) returns as one of the leading tacklers last year at linebacker and along the line Kason Dowty (5-11, 210, Jr.) will be one of the ends.

SCHEDULE

9-1 – vs. Roland

9-8 – at Keys

9-15 – at Stigler

9-22 – vs. Hilldale

9-29 – at Sallisaw

10-6 – at Fort Gibson

10-12 – vs. Ada

10-20 – at Madill

10-27 – at Broken Bow

11-3 – vs. Poteau